109: Midvale Ridge Area Profile: Supporting Documents

National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

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1 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Introduction National Character Areas map

As part of Natural England’s responsibilities as set out in the Natural Environment White Paper1, Biodiversity 20202 and the European Landscape Convention3, we are revising profiles for England’s 159 National Character Areas (NCAs). These are areas that share similar landscape characteristics, and which follow natural lines in the landscape rather than administrative boundaries, making them a good decision-making framework for the natural environment.

NCA profiles are guidance documents which can help communities to inform theirdecision-making about the places that they live in and care for. The informationthey contain will support the planning of conservation initiatives at a landscape scale, inform the delivery of Nature Improvement Areas and encourage broader partnership working through Local Nature Partnerships. The profiles will also help to inform choices about how land is managed and can change.

Each profile includes a description of the natural and cultural features that shape our landscapes, how the landscape has changed over time, the current key drivers for ongoing change, and a broad analysis of each area’s characteristics and ecosystem services. Statements of Environmental Opportunity (SEOs) are suggested, which draw on this integrated information. The SEOs offer guidance on the critical issues, which could help to achieve sustainable growth and a more secure environmental future. 1 The Natural Choice: Securing the Value of Nature, Defra NCA profiles are working documents which draw on current evidence and (2011; URL: www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/cm80/8082/8082.pdf) 2 knowledge. We will aim to refresh and update them periodically as new Biodiversity 2020: A Strategy for England’s Wildlife and Ecosystem Services, Defra information becomes available to us. (2011; URL: www.defra.gov.uk/publications/files/pb13583-biodiversity-strategy-2020-111111.pdf) 3 European Landscape Convention, Council of Europe We would like to hear how useful the NCA profiles are to you. You can contact the (2000; URL: http://conventions.coe.int/Treaty/en/Treaties/Html/176.htm) NCA team by emailing [email protected]

2 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Summary

The Midvale Ridge National Character Area (NCA) is a band of low-lying limestone east of Oxford lies Shabbington Wood, the largest remnant of the former Royal hills stretching east–west from the Vale of Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire to Forest of Bernwood, which supports an important population of the nationally Swindon. It is surrounded by the flat lands of the Oxfordshire clay vales, giving rare black hairstreak butterfly. Today, about a third of the woodland in the NCA is extensive views across the surrounding countryside. It is a predominantly designated as ancient woodland. agricultural area with a mixed arable/ pastoral farming landscape, cereals being the most important arable crop. The main towns are Swindon, at the western end, Evidence of previous land use is still clearly visible across the area from iron-age and Oxford, which lies across the centre of the area, but otherwise the settlement and Romano-British settlements and nationally important examples of ridge pattern is characterised by small nucleated villages along the top of the ridge and and furrow to the remains of quarries. The continued expansion of Swindon along the springline. The soils types are a mix of heavy rendzinas, stagnogleys and and Oxford will present challenges for preserving the landscape character and lighter sandy brown earths with small patches of sandy soils. biodiversity of the ridge but also opportunities for improving the provision of green infrastructure and access. The NCA is dependent for potable water on The area is significant for its geological sites and has been a focus for study since neighbouring areas such as the Upper Thames Clay Vales NCA4 and it is expected the 19th century. It has yielded fossils of international importance, including that, with increasing population, the holotypes for several ammonite species and several species of prehistoric demand will become more acute. sponges known only from the Faringdon area. Changes in agriculture and continued The unusual geology gives rise to habitats that are uncommon in the south of mineral extraction are also likely to England, such as calcareous flushes and fens, calcareous heath and calcareous intensify pressure on the area’s soil, grassland. These in turn support a variety of rare plants and invertebrates. The water and biodiversity resources. narrowleaved marsh orchid, southern damselfly and many scarce wetland flies can be found in the wetlands while the heathland is home to several species There are many opportunities for of solitary bees. Although the NCA is small, it is also host to other key habitats recreation within Oxford itself, the such as lowland dry acid grassland and acid heath. One of the largest remaining Thames Path National Trail passes populations of the snakeshead fritillary can be found in the area. through the NCA and two national cycle routes cross the ridge. Some 29 The NCA is notably more wooded in character than the surrounding Upper per cent of the NCA is designated as Thames Clay Vales NCA with about 9 per cent woodland coverage. To the north- greenbelt around the edge of Oxford. Click map to enlarge; click again to reduce.

4 Water for Life and Livelihoods: River Basin Management Plan, Thames River Basin District, Environment Agency (December 2009) 3 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Statements of Environmental Opportunities:

SEO 1: Maintain the historic environment and cultural character of the Midvale Ridge by ensuring that permitted development is well integrated to preserve local distinctiveness and sense of place and providing green space and recreational opportunities for the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors.

SEO 2: Manage, enhance and expand the valuable semi-natural habitats of the Midvale Ridge such as fens, grassland and calcareous heathland to benefit biodiversity, prevent soil erosion, improve water regulation and quality, support pollinators and protect and enhance wildlife corridors.

SEO 3: Manage and enhance the woodland cover and expand areas of native broadleaved woodland to benefit landscape character and biodiversity, for carbon sequestration, to prevent soil erosion, improve water quality, supply renewable fuel and to provide access and recreation opportunities.

SEO 4: Maintain and enhance the National Character Area’s internationally Old clay pits at Brill Common. important geological heritage for the educational benefits it provides, its contribution to a sense of place and history and to increase recreational opportunities.

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Description Physical and functional links to other National Character Areas

Midvale Ridge National Character Area (NCA) is completely enclosed by the surrounding Upper Thames Clay Vales NCA and offers wide views across the adjacent countryside from many points. In places it is possible to see the hills of the Chilterns NCA to the south-east, the Berkshire and Marlborough Downs NCA to the south-west and the Cotswolds NCA to the north-west.

At Oxford, the Thames cuts through the ridge to flow south from its source in Gloucestershire on towards Reading and London. The Thame, a tributary of the Thames, flows along the lower reaches of the ridge in the south-eastern half of the area and joins the Thames just south of Dorchester. Much of the ridge functions as a minor aquifer, eventually feeding into the rivers Thames, Thame and Ock, also a tributary of the Thames.5

To the east, several major transport links between London, Oxford and the Midlands, including the M40, A40 and the Chiltern Railways line, cross the area. Although part of the city of Oxford lies within the NCA, the historical Brill Windmill, a popular visitor destination for both local residents and visitors alike. centre is in the neighbouring Upper Thames Clay Vales NCA. Many of Oxford’s most notable buildings, for instance the Radcliffe Camera, are built from stone quarried on the ridge. To the west, the Great Western Community Forest stretches from Royal Wootton Bassett in the Upper Thames Clay Vales NCA to Faringdon.

5 Groundwater Quality Review: The Corallian, Environment Agency (April 2004)

5 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Key characteristics

■■ Low, irregular wooded limestone ridge giving way to a series of isolated steep-sided tabular hills in the east which rise from the surrounding clay vales. ■■ Contrast between the moderately elevated limestone hills and ridges and the surrounding low-lying clay vales. ■■ Drained mostly by small springs and streams which run into the Thames, Thame and Ock. ■■ Well wooded – a third of the woodland is designated ancient woodland. ■■ Mixed pastoral and arable landscape with large, geometric fields divided by hedges and regularly spaced hedgerow trees punctuated by blocks of woodland. ■■ Fragmented but rare and important semi-natural habitats, including acid grassland, calcareous fens and flushes, wet woodland and calcareous grass heaths particularly around Frilford and Cothill. ■■ Evidence of previous land use such as iron-age and Romano-British settlements and ridge and furrow through to old quarries still visible in the landscape. ■■ Locally quarried limestone commonly used as building material for local houses. ■■ Settlement pattern of nucleated villages on the hill tops and along the springline with low density of dispersed settlement. ■■ Recreational opportunities include the Thames Path National Trail.

Southern damselfly at Cothill Fen SSSI, one of the many rare invertebrates found there.

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The Midvale Ridge today

The Midvale Ridge is a low-lying, irregular outcrop of limestone rising as a distinctive feature above the surrounding flat clay vales, running westwards from the Vale of Aylesbury to Swindon. Tabular hills at its eastern end give way to a thin ridge that in some places is low and narrow, but in others stands out as a striking feature. In all directions there are sweeping views across the adjacent countryside.

The Thames cuts a steep valley at Oxford to flow south across the ridge and the Thame flows along its south-east edge. Springs and streams rising on the ridge drain into the rivers Ock and Thame. The bedrock of the NCA is very porous and much of the ridge is a minor aquifer.

The area is mainly agricultural and the landscape is one of arable fields or pasture interspersed with woodland and many small settlements. Fields are generally large and rectilinear, mostly resulting from late 18th- and 19th- century enclosure and re-organisation as well as later agricultural changes, 13th-century Great Barn at Great Coxwell owned by the National Trust. with boundaries of hedgerows and regularly spaced hedgerow trees. A mix of heavy rendzinas, stagnogleys and lighter sandy brown earths with small areas to predominantly broadleaved woodland. Around Swindon, several new of sandy soils form the main soil types. plantations of woodland have been established as part of the Great Western Community Forest project, one of 12 Community Forest projects set up across The ridge has good tree cover. On moister soils, particularly around Oxford, the country with the aim of regenerating areas of land in the urban fringe for ash, oak, hazel and field maple are common. Elsewhere, on the drier soils recreation, biodiversity, forestry and socio-economic benefits. across the ridge, the characteristic tree types are oak and birch with significant plantations of conifers. To the east of Oxford lies Shabbington Wood, the On the lower slopes, where the permeable limestone meets the impermeable largest surviving remnants of the former Royal Forest of Bernwood, important clay of the surrounding clay vales, water percolating through the limestone for the rare black hairstreak butterfly. While significant parts were managed emerges in a series of springs and flushes. These support several large fens as conifer plantations, most are now being managed to gradually return them which are home to a number of rare plant and invertebrate species such as the

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narrowleaved marsh orchid and the southern damselfly – both nationally rare. century manor house at Waddesdon designed by the French architect Gabriel- The largest fen, Cothill Fen, has been designated a Special Area of Conservation Hippolyte Destailleur. (SAC) for its alkaline fen vegetation. The Landscape through time To the south-west of Oxford, around Frilford and Cothill, are areas of calcareous grassy heaths comprising one of the most characteristic and The Midvale Ridge was laid down mainly during the Upper Jurassic, about 157–146 important semi-natural habitats of the Midvale Ridge. These were once more million years ago, when sands and limestones were deposited in what was then extensive but are now greatly diminished and fragmented in character but still an area of coral reefs in a shallow tropical sea. Fossils found locally are evidence provide a home for several rare species of solitary bees including the girdled for an abundance of marine life in the area at that time, including many species of mining bee and the six-banded nomad bee as well as uncommon plant species ammonites and marine reptiles such as plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs. Over time such as the grass of Parnassus. Although small, the NCA is host to other areas of the softer clay of the surrounding Upper Thames Clay Vales NCA eroded more uncommon habitat including dry acid grassland and the only area of heathland quickly than the limestone of the ridge, leaving it today as a prominent feature. known in Oxfordshire. Watercourses have since laid down layers of clays, silts, sands and gravels and small areas of peat developed around the fens. Hill top villages are a distinctive feature of the ridge. They are often clustered round a village green and are linked by small sunken lanes enclosed by low Evidence for the first significant occupation of the area during the Bronze Age hedges. To the east, houses are built of the local limestone or sometimes is seen, for instance, in possible bronze-age round barrows found across the red brick and timber frame with thatch or tiled roofs. In contrast, to the west area, including those at Buckland. Occupation continued into the Iron Age and houses are typically of local limestone, either Cornbrash or Corallian, with the Romano-British period with settlements such as the Romano-British temple stone slate roofs. Settlements have also grown up along springlines. Isolated complex, villa and amphitheatre at Frilford, farmsteads mostly result from late enclosure. Oxford first developed during the Anglo-Saxon period as a fording place. From the The past is reflected in the landscape with the remains of Roman settlements 6th to 9th centuries the area was disputed between the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of still visible and the nationally important examples of ridge and furrow Mercia and Wessex with the Thames eventually forming the boundary between ploughing at Ashendon, Dorton, Quainton and North Marston. Windmills are a the two. In the early 10th century, the town was fortified to resist the attacks characteristic feature of the area and can be found throughout the ridge top. of Danish invaders, becoming part of the burh system established to defend Wessex.6 From the 13th century onwards, the university colleges were established Notable buildings include the barn at Great Coxwell, built at the height of the and Oxford’s international reputation as a place of learning grew. arable expansion and population growth of the 13th century, and the 19th-

6 A History of the County of Oxford: Volume 4 - The City of Oxford, Alan Crossley and C.R. Elrington (eds), Victoria County History (1979) 8 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Throughout the region in the Middle Ages the open field system of agriculture was widespread and ridge-and-furrow earthworks can still be seen, particularly in the eastern half of the region. Enclosures and reorganisation of farmland during the 18th and 19th centuries saw the introduction of large regular fields. The area is described in Domesday Book as being well forested but in a national context the extent of woodland cover was probably low at that time. Bernwood Forest, remnants of which are still extant in the eastern half of the NCA, was a popular hunting spot for Anglo-Saxon royalty and following the Norman Conquest attained the status of a Royal Forest. The area subject to forest law was reduced over time and Bernwood Forest finally lost its legal status in 1632. The removal of legal protection also saw the reduction in forest cover.7 A number of windmills, such as that at Brill, provide distinctive landmarks throughout the area.

Industry has also played an important part in the area’s history. The clay deposits at Brill provided the material for a pottery, brick-making and tile industry.8 Corallian Limestone was quarried at Wheatley from the 12th century and at Views across to the Chilterns AONB near Ashendon. Headington from the 15th century. In the 16th and mid-17th centuries, Oxford was famous for its tanning and woollen industries. In 1624, an Act of Parliament subsequent decision to site the company’s works there provided a spur for rapid allowed navigation to be improved on the Thames between Burcote and growth. Until the early 20th century, it remained the city’s largest employer.10 Oxford and by 1790 the Oxford Canal was opened, linking the city to the rest of the canal network. During the 19th century, Oxford developed as a centre for The M40 was constructed between 1967 and 1974, later being extended to link light engineering, particularly for agricultural tools. The first steam rollers and London and Birmingham. ploughs were invented by John Allen of Oxford. The association with engineering continued with the founding of Morris Motors at Cowley in the early 20th century. 7 Buckinghamshire County Council website (URL: http://apps.buckscc.gov.uk/eforms/ 9 The motor industry continued to be an important employer. medieval_life/history1.htm) 8 Brill: Historic Town Assessment Report, Consultation Draft, English Heritage (undated) Prior to the 19th century, Swindon had been a small market town. It was boosted 9 A History of the County of Oxford: Volume 4 - The City of Oxford, Alan Crossley and C.R. by the opening of the Wiltshire and Berkshire Canal in 1810 and the North Elrington (eds), Victoria County History (1979) Wiltshire Canal in 1819 but the arrival of the Great Western Railway in 1840 and the 10 A History of the County of Wiltshire: Volume 9, Elizabeth Crittall (ed.),Victoria County History (1970)

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Ecosystem Services of both wind- and water-borne erosion, particularly where the ground is subject to continuous arable cultivation. The Midvale Ridge NCA provides a wide range of benefits to society. Each is derived from the attributes and processes (both natural and cultural features) ■■ Regulating soil quality: The heavier loamy and clayey soils which cover within the area. These benefits are known collectively as ‘ecosystem services’. nearly half of the area are liable to compaction when wet. The far eastern The predominant services are summarised below. Further information on end of the NCA, around Oving and North Marston, is in the Upper Ouse ecosystem services provided in the Midvale Ridge NCA is contained in the Catchment Sensitive Farming Programme area. This has the aim of ‘Analysis’ section of this document. improving the water quality of the Ouse (in the nearby Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Claylands NCA). Provisioning services (food, fibre and water supply) ■■ Food provision: The Midvale Ridge supports a mixed pastoral/arable (mostly ■■ Regulating water quality: Groundwater quality in the north-eastern half cereals and oil seed rape) farming system. It has historically been considered of the NCA meets the target for good chemical status under the Water a good grain-growing area and today cereals are still the main arable Framework Directive, but in the south-western half it fails to meet this produce. Sheep are the most important livestock. standard. The ecological status of the rivers in the NCA (which include part of the Thame, Thames and some tributaries) varies between poor ■■ Water availability: The main rivers are the Thames and the Thame, but and moderate as assessed under the Water Framework Directive. High for most of its potable water the NCA is dependent on supplies from phosphate levels are the main reason for this.11 The entire NCA is within neighbouring areas including the Upper Thames Clay Vales NCA, for a nitrate vulnerable zone designated to protect groundwater and surface instance from Farmoor Reservoir. Much of the ridge is underlain by a minor water for public water supply.12 aquifer and groundwater is important for supplying the fens and flushes which are notable features of the area. The rivers and groundwater within Cultural services (inspiration, education and wellbeing) the NCA are not deemed to be over-abstracted, although the Thames ■■ Sense of place/inspiration: Although the NCA is surrounded by the Upper catchment area as a whole is in deficit due to the shortage of supply for Thames Clay Vales NCA and has many links with it, it maintains its own London in dry years. character. Its elevation allows wide views across the flatter surrounding countryside to the hills of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Regulating services (water purification, air quality maintenance and climate (AONB) and the Cotswolds AONB beyond. The past use of the landscape, regulation) such as the quarries at Headington and the kilns at Brill, is also evident ■■ Regulating soil erosion: More than a third of the NCA is covered by shallow, across the NCA. It has a characteristic vernacular architecture with some lighter and freely draining lime-rich and slightly acid soils which are at risk buildings constructed from locally quarried stone.

11 Water for Life and Livelihoods: River Basin Management Plan, Thames River Basin District, Environment Agency (December 2009) 10 12 Groundwater Quality Review: The Corallian, Environment Agency (April 2004) National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

■■ Sense of history: This is provided by the evidence for medieval and earlier settlement and land use from ridge and furrow to iron-age hill forts and the rich vernacular architecture.

■■ Recreation: There are some good recreational opportunities on offer within the NCA with a range of access routes enabling visitors to explore the countryside as well as allowing residents to enjoy green spaces near where they live. However, in some parts of the NCA, such as the city of Oxford, green space is limited. The Thames Path National Trail runs through the NCA near Oxford and is well connected with other local walking routes; open access woodland is available at Shabbington Woods further east along the ridge; and there are several small but interesting nature reserves with high geological and biological interest in the vicinity of Oxford. There are also two large country parks for people to enjoy: Shotover in Oxford and Stanton Park in Swindon

■■ Biodiversity: Although only 2 per cent of the NCA is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its biodiversity interest, the NCA hosts a number of rare and important habitats including calcareous fens, calcareous heath, calcareous grassland, ancient woodland and acid Volunteers cleaning a rockface at Dry Sandford Pits SSSI. grassland. The snakeshead fritillary enjoys one of its last strongholds here as does the black hairstreak butterfly. A third of the area’s woodland is during the Jurassic it was covered by a shallow tropical sea. Noteworthy designated as ancient and supports important populations of uncommon fossils of international importance, including the holotypes for several and rare butterflies. There is one European designated site, Cothill Fen SAC, ammonite species and prehistoric sponges, have been found here. The local part of which is also a National Nature Reserve. limestone has been used as a source of building material since the Middle Ages, providing the stone for some of the Oxford colleges. ■■ Geodiversity: The Midvale Ridge is extremely geologically important with 16 nationally designated sites and 14 Local Geological Sites. It has provided stratigraphic evidence for the geological history of the region showing that

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Statements of Environmental Opportunity

For example by: ■■ Using an understanding of the area’s traditional and historic architecture, ■■ Promoting the restoration and maintenance of historic buildings such as and its distinct patterns of village-based settlement, to inform appropriate windmills. conservation and use of historic buildings, and to plan for and inspire any ■■ Ensuring that the extensive views across the surrounding countryside environmentally beneficial new development which makes a positive are maintained. contribution to local character. ■■ Promoting the vision of the Great Western Community Forest plan to ■■ Preserving the characteristic network of winding sunken lanes and enhance recreational and biodiversity opportunities. significant historic hedgerows by working with landowners to sustainably ■■ Encouraging the use of the Accessible Natural Greenspace Standard manage these features for their contribution to landscape character and and community engagement in the planning of new developments also as wildlife corridors. and green infrastructure strategies to ensure that people have places ■■ Encouraging the use of traditional building materials such as locally to enjoy nature and experience the health, wellbeing and educational quarried limestone or brick and red tile or thatch on the eastern ridge, and benefits that green space brings. local Cornbrash or Corallian Limestone with stone slate roofs in the west. ■■ Promoting green space for landscape setting as well as other benefits ■■ Protecting historic earthworks and monuments, such as iron-age and such as water regulation and local provision of wood fuel. Romano-British settlement sites and nationally important ridge and ■■ Promoting sustainable development principles for new development furrow, by encouraging reversion from arable to grassland where associated with transport corridors and other urban and industrial appropriate. expansion which make provision for green infrastructure, address ■■ Encouraging better management and raising awareness of the area’s flood risk mitigation, avoid any damaging impact on biodiversity and heritage assets. are considerate towards the character of the Midvale Ridge. ■■ Encouraging the restoration and management of historical parklands for ■■ Ensuring that development is well designed to minimise visual intrusion their biodiversity and cultural interest. and noise and light pollution upon the wider landscape.

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For example by: ■■ Managing the semi-natural habitats of the Midvale Ridge to maintain ■■ Working with local authorities and extraction companies to ensure that and enhance their conservation interest so that species of national and mineral extraction is considered and managed sustainably to avoid regional significance are safeguarded and where possible increased. detrimental impacts on semi-natural habitats, for example through ■■ Seeking to reduce habitat fragmentation by linking, re-creating and interruption of groundwater flows. Where possible, encourage the extending semi-natural habitats wherever possible and working with linking and extension of semi-natural habitats through the restoration local planning authorities to minimise further fragmentation. of exhausted minerals sites. ■■ Promoting awareness of the importance of the habitats and rare species of the Midvale Ridge among landowners and the wider public and providing advice to landowners on appropriate management. ■■ Promoting research and interpretation of flushes and fens and the species that they support to identify the most appropriate management practices. ■■ Working with farmers and landowners to establish sustainable land management practices in the areas surrounding important semi-natural habitat such as fen to regulate water quality, prevent soil erosion and encourage pollinators, such as providing flower-rich wide buffer strips, beetle banks and infield grass areas. ■■ Advising the Environment Agency, local authorities and landowners to ensure that water abstraction has the minimum impact on designated wetland habitat, minimising its effect on biodiversity and water quality.

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For example by: ■■ Ensuring that all woodlands particularly those of high conservation ■■ Promoting the gradual restoration of Plantations on Ancient Woodland value, including wet woodland and ancient woodland sites, are Sites with indigenous species, where possible. managed appropriately to maintain and enhance their wildlife value, ■■ Strengthening ecological networks by linking patches of woodland for example by restoring rotational coppice management where with hedgerows, where possible, especially where the woodland is on suitable to provide a source of biomass fuel and good habitat for an ancient woodland site. woodland butterflies. ■■ Promoting the restoration and expansion of woodland within the Great ■■ Promoting opportunities for biomass energy provision with local Western Community Forest, managed through community involvement markets, particularly wood fuel, to support the local economy while to contribute especially to the sustainable development of Swindon, improving biodiversity. providing a local recreational, educational, wildlife and biomass ■■ Supporting the Forestry Commission and other land managers in resource. developing a co-ordinated approach to deer management to enhance ■■ Maximising the opportunities for people to increase their knowledge biodiversity, sense of place and tranquillity. and understanding of local woodlands, to take part in their ■■ Encouraging the planting of new native woodland where this fits in management and to enjoy visiting them for recreation and health with local character and will extend or link existing woodlands to purposes while at the same time safeguarding biodiversity. prevent fragmentation, provide ecological networks, aid the prevention of soil erosion by reducing overland flows and improve water quality (by absorbing nutrients and particulates).

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SEO 4: Maintain and enhance the National Character Area’s internationally important geological heritage for the educational benefits it provides, its contribution to a sense of place and history and to increase recreational opportunities.

For example by: ■■ Promoting awareness of the National Character Area’s significant Cretaceous and Jurassic geological heritage among educational establishments and the wider public to link the local community to their geological heritage. ■■ Linking the rights of way network, particularly from Oxford, to geological sites to increase health and educational opportunities and to promote a sense of place and sense of history. ■■ Working with landowners to ensure that important geological sites are appropriately managed, for instance keeping the faces of important exposures clear of vegetation so that they can be easily studied. ■■ Working with landowners to encourage access for geologists to working quarries. ■■ Identifying opportunities to promote geological sites as visitor destinations. ■■ Seeking to ensure that access to important exposures for research is maintained once quarries are no longer in use. ■■ Planning for the restoration of quarries and mineral workings for educational use and biodiversity benefit once they are no longer in use. ■■ Working with quarry owners, operators and local geology groups to record features of interest during mineral extraction and quarrying.

The “dreaming spires” of Oxford from Boars Hill.

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Supporting document 1: Key facts and data

1. Landscape and nature conservation designations There are 74 local sites in the Midvale Ridge NCA covering 1,253 ha which is 3 per cent of the NCA. There are no Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) or National Parks Source: Natural England (2011) within the NCA. Source: Natural England (2011) ■■ Details of individual Sites of Special Scientific Interest can be searched at: 1.1 Designated nature conservation sites http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/sssi/search.cfm The NCA includes the following statutory nature conservation designations: ■■ Details of Local Nature Reserves (LNR) can be searched: Area % of http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_search.asp Tier Designation Name (ha) NCA ■■ Maps showing locations of Statutory sites can be found at: International n/a n/a 0 0 http://magic.defra.gov.uk/website/magic/ – select ‘Rural Designations Statutory’. European Special Protection n/a 0 0 Area (SPA) 1.1.1 Condition of designated sites Special Area of Cothill Fen SAC 43 <1 A breakdown of SSSI condition as of March 2011 is as follows: Conservation (SAC) % of SSSI land in SSSI condition category Area (ha) category condition Unfavourable declining 660 71 National National Nature Cothill NNR 2 <1 Reserve (NNR) Favourable 198 21 National Site of Special A total of 33 sites wholly 929 2 Unfavourable no change 7 1 Scientific Interest or partly within the NCA Unfavourable recovering 63 7 (SSSI) Source: Natural England (March 2011) Source: Natural England (2011) Please note: (i) Designated areas may overlap (ii) all figures are cut to Mean High Water Line, Details of SSSI condition can be searched at: designations that span coastal areas/views below this line will not be included. http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/sssi/reportIndex.cfm Both the SAC and the NNR are within the SSSI area. The NNR lies within the SAC.

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2. Landform, geology and soils as Boars Hill near Oxford which stands proud of the Corallian Limestone at more than 150 m AOD. To the east, where the ridge becomes more broken, a 2.1 Elevation discontinuous outcrop of Portland sand and limestone overlies the clay and is Elevation ranges from 50 m to 196 m, with a mean elevation across the NCA of in turn capped locally by Purbeck limestones and younger sand beds. Along 93 m. The escarpment reaches up to 130 m in the west. Hills in the east include parts of its boundary as it merges into the clay vales the ridge is associated Muswell Hill (196 m) and Brill (187 m). with impervious bands of Lower Greensand and Kimmeridge Clay. This change Source: Natural England (2010) in geology gives rise to numerous springs, flushes and small streams. The ridge is low and narrow in places, particularly between Cothill and Buckland, 2.2 Landform and process but stands out as a distinctive landscape feature in other places. Particularly The Midvale Ridge is a low, irregular outcrop forming an escarpment in the prominent are the hills to the west of Oxford where Wytham Woods occupy west and a series of isolated steep-sided tabular hills in the east, contrasting a ridge above the Thames and the series of hills around the Oxfordshire/ with the river flood plains and the surrounding low lying clay vales of the Buckinghamshire border at Brill, Quainton and Waddesdon. Upper Thames Clay Vales NCA. The scarp faces north with a dip slope falling, Source: ?? almost imperceptibly in places, to the south. The ridge is low and narrow in places, particularly between Cothill and Buckland, but otherwise stands out 2.4 Superficial deposits as a distinctive landscape feature. The River Thames has cut a steep valley Small extent of clays, silts, sands and gravels associated with watercourses. through the ridge at Oxford, but otherwise the ridge is little dissected by rivers. Cothill Fen is a unique resource in southern England with its remarkable depth Small valleys and basins lie between the hills in the east, with the Thame flood of peat (over 4 m). Pollen record dates back to last ice age. plain to the south. At the base of the escarpment and the eastern hills, springs, Source: Midvale Ridge Natural Area Profile flushes and springline watercourses arise upon surrounding impervious bedrocks. 2.5 Designated geological sites Source: Midvale Ridge Countryside Character Area Description, Midvale Ridge Natural Area Profile Designation Number of Sites 2.3 Bedrock geology Geological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) 13 The ridge comprises coarse and rubbly-textured Upper Jurassic Corallian Mixed Interest SSSIs 3 limestones and sands, overlain in places by Kimmeridge Clay. These rocks form a distinct escarpment rising from the clay vales with a low and irregular There are 14 Local Geological Sites within the NCA. north-facing scarp (100 m - 110 m AOD) and a very gentle dip slope that Source: Natural England (2011) gradually falls, almost imperceptibly in places, to the Vale of the White Horse to the south. Lower Greensand caps many of the higher parts of the ridge such

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Details of individual Sites of Special Scientific Interest can be searched at: 3. Key water bodies and catchments http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/sssi/search.cfm 3.1 Major rivers/canals 2.6 Soils and Agricultural Land Classification The following major rivers/canals (by length) have been identified in this NCA. In contrast to typical chalk or limestone, Corallian limestone is very sandy and River Name Length (km) free draining producing soils which are similar to East Anglia’s Brecks. Soils in River Thame 13 the area are prone to leaching and acidification. Soils are predominantly heavy River Thames and Isis 6 rendzinas and sandy brown earths with areas of acidic soils. River Thames 5 Source: Midvale Ridge Countryside Character Area Description, River Ock 1 Midvale Ridge Natural Area Profile Source: Natural England (2010) The main grades of agricultural land in the NCA are broken down as follows (as Please note: other significant rivers (by volume) may also occur. These are not listed where a proportion of total land area): the length within the NCA is short. The River Thames and its tributaries drain the clay vales to the north of the Agricultural Land Classification Area (ha) % of NCA Midvale Ridge before the Thames flows south through the ridge at Oxford Grade 1 0 0 to meet the Thame and Ock. The Thame and its tributaries drain the hills in Grade 2 8,630 19 the east, while watercourses flowing off the dip slope in the west enter the Grade 3 22,709 51 Ock. The eastern tip of the ridge falls into the Great River Ouse (East Anglian) Grade 4 7,157 16 catchment. The Oxford Canal connects Oxford to Coventry. Grade 5 178 <1 Non-agricultural 1,413 3 3.2 Water quality The total area of Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) is 44,501 ha or 100 per cent of Urban 4,413 10 Source: Natural England (2010) the NCA. Source: Natural England (2010) Maps showing locations of Statutory sites can be found at: http://magic.defra.gov.uk/website/magic/ – select ‘Landscape’ (shows ALC 3.3 Water Framework Directive classification and 27 types of soils) Maps are available from the Environment Agency showing current and projected future status of water bodies http://maps.environment-agency.gov.uk/wiyby/wiybyController?ep=maptopi cs&lang=_e

18 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

4. Trees and woodlands replanting or inter-planting with conifers. Many ash-maple woods and some of the alder woods were formerly coppiced but this practice has now all but 4.1 Total Woodland Cover ceased in the area. The NCA contains 4,217 ha of woodland, 9 per cent of the total area, of which Source: Midvale Ridge Countryside Character Area Description, 1,406 ha is ancient woodland. The Great Western Community Forest, one of Midvale Ridge Natural Character Area Profile twelve Community Forests established to demonstrate the contribution of environmental improvement to economic and social regeneration, covers 8,725 4.3 Woodland types ha of this NCA, which is 20 per cent of the area. A statistical breakdown of the area and type of woodland found across the Source: Natural England (2010) and Forestry Commission (2011) NCA is detailed below.

4.2 Distribution and size of woodland and trees in the landscape Area and proportion of different woodland types in the NCA (over 2 ha) Woodland cover tends to be most extensive along the Corallian Limestone ridge in Oxfordshire while in contrast the Portland Limestone hills of Woodland type Area (ha) % of NCA Buckinghamshire have few large woods. Here, isolated trees and small Broadleaved 3,092 7 woodlands are more typical. There is extensive woodland cover, particularly in Coniferous 617 1 the west, including blocks of ancient woodland, mainly oak, ash and birch, and coniferous plantation, mainly larch, along the ridge. The NCA has significant Mixed 186 <1 blocks of coniferous woodlands on the plateau gravel soils. Characteristic Other 322 1 tree types include oak, ash, birch and larch many of which occur within Source: Forestry Commission (2011) ancient semi-natural woodlands such as the oak-dominated Bagley Wood. Coppice with standards occurs to the west together with forest woodlands Area and proportion of Ancient Woodland and Planted Ancient Woodland such as Shotover. Of greatest wildlife interest is wet woodland associated with within the NCA. the larger fens; a habitat which has undergone a massive decline in lowland England. These are generally dominated by alder, grey willow and birch. On Woodland type Area (ha) % of NCA drier, but still moist soils the characteristic woodland type is dominated by ash, oak, hazel and field maple. The woods of the dry, sandy soils are generally Ancient semi-natural woodland 757 2 dominated by oak and birch. Some of these woods have developed relatively Ancient re-planted woodland (PAWS) 650 1 recently on former heaths as a result of abandonment of grazing. However, Source: Natural England (2004) the woods on drier soils have often been modified to varying degrees by

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5. Boundary features and patterns 6.2 Farm size The most common farm size in terms of number of holdings are those over 5.1 Boundary features 100ha with 86 units, covering an area of 22,847 ha followed by farms between 5 Hedgerows are the most common, with limestone walls in some parts. Few to 20 ha with 74 units and covering an area of 772 ha. Between 2000 and 2009 boundaries are present in arable areas. there was a fall in the number of holdings across all farm sizes apart from those Source: Mid Vale Ridge Countryside Character Area description; Countryside Quality Counts (2003) between 5 and 20 ha which remained constant. The greatest reduction was 5.2 Field patterns amongst farms under 5 ha which lost 18 holdings followed by farms over 100 Fields are typically defined by a regular pattern of hedgerows and trees that ha which lost 14 holdings. enclose characteristically large and geometrically organised fields. The area Source: Agricultural Census, DEFRA (2010) has generally large geometric fields divided by regular pattern of hedgerows 6.3 Farm ownership and hedgerow trees, although a local pattern of small fields surrounds hilltop In 2009 owned land made up 57 per cent of the total farm area, while the villages. remainder is tenanted. There was a decrease in owned land by 9 per cent over Source: Midvale Ridge Countryside Character Area description; the 2000 to 2009 period, while land held in tenancy decreased by 1 per cent. Countryside Quality Counts (2003) 2009: Total farm area = 28,599 ha; owned land = 16,424 ha 6. Agriculture 2000: Total farm area = 32,287 ha; owned land = 18,139 ha The following data has been taken from the Agricultural Census linked to this NCA. Source: Agricultural Census, DEFRA (2010)

6.1 Farm type 6.4 Land use The predominant farm types are cereals, 28 per cent and grazing livestock, 23 Grass and uncropped land provide the highest crop cover, 12,998 ha covering 45 per cent. The area contains a range of other farm types: 25 mixed (9 per cent); per cent of the farmed area, followed by cereals, 9,202 ha covering 32 per cent 8 dairy (3 per cent); 8 horticulture (3 per cent); 5 general cropping (2 per cent); 5 of the farmed area. During the period 2000 to 2009 land use cover fell for most specialist pigs (2 per cent); 5 specialist poultry (2 per cent). All farm types apart crop types, particularly for grass and uncropped land (down by 2,541 ha) and from ‘other’ types decreased by numbers of holdings between 2000 and 2009. cereals (down by 1,882 ha). Only two crop types saw an increase; oilseeds and Grazing livestock (lowland) lost 20 holdings and dairy 13. Other types increased other arable crops which increased by 739 ha and 282 ha respectively. by 8 holdings. Source: Agricultural Census, DEFRA (2010) Source: Agricultural Census, DEFRA (2010)

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6.5 Livestock numbers support the contrasting plant communities of calcareous fen and grassland Sheep are the most numerous livestock (26,000), followed by cattle (17,000) (lime-loving plants) and of heathland (lime-hating plants). The Greensand can and pigs (12,000). There has been a steep reduction in the numbers of all also support heathland and acid grassland. This diversity is significant in the livestock between 2000 and 2009 especially in sheep (down by 18,000) and context of a small NCA. However, calcareous grasslands, grassy heaths and pigs (down by 15,000). Cattle numbers declined by 6,000 over the same period. heathlands exist only as small fragments around Cothill, Wytham, Shotover and Source: Agricultural Census, Defra (2010) Hurst Hill.

6.6 Farm labour Woodland is found on dry, moist and wet soils, with good examples being in Most farms are run by owner farmers. There were only 30 salaried managers the Cothill and Oxford areas. Woods associated with springs and flushes have employed in the NCA in 2009. Between 2000 and 2009, the number of owner- enhanced species diversity, such as rare moss flora. Very rich ground floras are farmers fell by 58, full time workers by 78 and casual/gang workers by 26. The found in woodlands on moist soils including wood anemone and ramsons. numbers of salaried managers rose by 3 and the numbers of part time workers rose by 23. The concentration of fens is significant in southern England (around 60ha). Source: Agricultural Census, Defra (2010) Small fens and flushes are widespread, including in intensive farmland. Please Note: (i) Some of the Census data is estimated by Defra so will not be accurate for There are several relatively large fens including the internationally important every holding (ii) Data refers to Commercial Holdings only (iii) Data includes land outside of Cothill Fen. The fens are also a unique intermediary between the other the NCA belonging to holdings whose centre point is within the NCA listed. main calcareous fenland areas in north Wales and East Anglia. Remarkably high numbers of rare plants and insects including numerous wetland flies, 7. Key habitats and species Desmoulin’s whorl snail, narrow-leaved marsh orchid, fen pondweed, mosses 7.1 Habitat distribution/coverage and liverworts. Habitat is scattered across the area except in the eastern hills and Swindon area which have almost no recognised areas of semi-natural habitat. Woodland is Numerous springs, flushes and small streams occur. Ponds are rare. widespread while other habitats are limited in extent and largely associated with watercourses. Notably, there are several areas of fen located in the In addition the NCA contains important arable habitats. These support shallow valleys of minor watercourses on the gentle dip slope above Abingdon, nationally important assemblages of arable birds. Arable weed communities for example Cothill Fen. are also favoured by the light soils and many rapidly declining plants are present. Source: Midvale Ridge Natural Area Profile Soils are calcium rich but prone to leaching and acidification and so can

21 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

7.2 UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority habitats 7.3 Key species and assemblages of species The Government’s new strategy for biodiversity in England, Biodiversity 2020, ■■ Maps showing locations of UK BAP Priority Habitats are available at: replaces the previous Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) led approach. Priority http://magic.defra.gov.uk/website/magic/ – select ‘Habitat Inventories’ habitats and species are identified in Biodiversity 2020, but references to ■■ Maps showing locations of S41 species are available at: BAP priority habitats and species, and previous national targets have been http://data.nbn.org.uk/ removed. Biodiversity Action Plans remain a useful source of guidance and information. More information about Biodiversity 2020 can be found at; 8. Settlement and development patterns www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/biodiversity/ 8.1 Settlement pattern protectandmanage/englandsbiodiversitystrategy2011.aspx. The densely built-up City of Oxford sits on the Thames flood plain in a steep valley cutting through the centre of the Midvale Ridge. Swindon is a dominant The NCA contains the following areas of mapped priority habitats (as mapped urban feature at the western end. Numerous villages perch high up on by National Inventories). Footnotes denote local/expert interpretation. This will spurs, hilltops and ridges connected by sunken lanes. They have distinctive be used to inform future national inventory updates. village greens and churches that provide local landmarks. Windmills and parklands are also a feature. At the foot of the ridge in Oxfordshire, spring-line settlements associated with blocks of ancient woodland are found. UK BAP priority habitat Area (ha) % of NCA Source: Midvale Ridge Countryside Character Area description; Broadleaved mixed and yew woodland 1,311 3 Countryside Quality Counts (2003) (broad habitat) 8.2 Main settlements Coastal and flood plain grazing marsh 202 <1 The main settlements are Swindon and Oxford. The total estimated population

Lowland meadows 61 <1 for this NCA (derived from ONS 2001 census data) is: 280,214. Source: Midvale Ridge Countryside Character Area description; Lowland dry acid grassland 23 <1 Countryside Quality Counts (2003) Fens 23 <1 8.3 Local vernacular and building materials Lowland calcareous grassland 19 <1 To the east, there are stone buildings, typically of local limestone with red tiles Reedbeds 6 <1 or thatch common as roofing materials. In the west, stone walls are derived either from the local rubbly Cornbrash or Corallian limestone, with roofs Lowland heathland 1 <1 generally of stone slates. The stone buildings are often of a simple and straight Source: Natural England (2011) forward design in comparison with their counterparts in the nearby Cotswolds. Source: Midvale Ridge Countryside Character Area description; Countryside Quality Counts (2003)

22 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

9. Key historic sites and features Although difficult, navigation of the Thames was enhanced in 1624 by an Act of Parliament that opened up the river from Burcote to Oxford. In 1790 the 9.1 Origin of historic features Oxford Canal was completed allowing the transport of coal and providing an The Midvale Ridge exhibits very little archaeological evidence of the important link to the wider canal network. The area is closely associated with Palaeolithic or Mesolithic period. The first significant settlement of the area light engineering in general and agricultural machines in particular. The first occurred during the Bronze Age with further occupation during the Iron Age in steam rollers and ploughs were invented locally by a John Allen of Oxford places such as at Faringdon Folly and Boars Hill. in 1868. Swindon is renowned as the centre of the railway industry, with the development of the town closely associated with the growth of the Great From the 6th to the mid-9th centuries the area was fought over by the West Western Railway. Saxon/Wessex and Mercia kingdoms with the river Thames eventually forming the boundary between the two. During this period, Oxfordshire’s oldest Notable buildings include the Oxford Colleges, which grew from the 14th recorded community was built at St Frideswide in 735 and fortifications were century onwards, and Waddesdon which is owned by the Rothschilds and built in Oxford to defend the kingdom against the invading Danes. designed by the French architect Destailleur.

Reference is made in Domesday Book to the good cover of ‘Forests’ in the The area is important for the survival of medieval ridge and furrow and the area, such as Bernwood Forest, although it is unclear as to what proportion associated remains of deserted settlements. There are strong associations was woodland. Remnant ancient woodland from the Forests of Shotover with the City of Oxford, notably the views to the ‘dreaming spires’ for example and Bernwood dominate the ridge to the east and west of Oxford. Corallian from Boars Hill. There are visual and historical associations with a number of Limestone was quarried at Wheatley during the 12th century and also from designed parklands. 1400 onwards at Headington. Oxford was noted for its tanning and woollen industries from the 16th to the mid-17th century. Visible archaeological features dating from early Roman settlement of the area are a prominent feature on areas of higher ground. Parkland is a common Historic evidence shows that field sizes on the hills in the east were generally feature within Oxfordshire, while windmills are distinctive landmarks small-scale with larger open fields to the west. By the early 19th century, much throughout the area. of the area was considered good quality corn land although perhaps slightly Source: Draft Historic Profile, too sandy in places. Midvale Ridge Countryside Character Area description

23 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

9.2 Designated historic assets Access designation Area (ha) % of NCA This NCA has the following historic designations: CROW Section 15 10 <1 ■■ 11 Registered Parks and Gardens covering 1,445 ha Village Greens 21 <1 Doorstep Greens 1 <1 ■■ 0 Registered Battlefields covering 0 ha ■■ 41 Scheduled Monuments Forestry Commission Walkers Welcome Grants 79 <1 ■■ 1,698 Listed Buildings Local Nature Reserves (LNR) 74 <1 Source: Natural England (2010) Millennium Greens 9 <1 Accessible National Nature Reserves (NNR) 1 <1 More information is available at the following address: Agri-environment Scheme Access 47 <1 http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/caring/heritage-at-risk/ Woods for People 777 2 http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/professional/protection/process/ Sources: Natural England (2011) national-heritage-list-for-england/ Please note: Common Land refers to land included in the 1965 commons register; CROW = Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000; OC and RCL = Open Country and Registered Common Land. 10. Recreation and access 11. Experiential qualities 10.1 Public access ■■ Two per cent of the NCA, 962 ha, is classified as being publically accessible. 11.1 Tranquillity ■■ There are 840 km of public rights of way at a density of 1.9 km per km2. Based on the CPRE map of Tranquillity (2006), much of the NCA experiences ■■ There is 1 National Trail within the NCA, the Thames Path, running for 10 km disturbance, especially around Oxford and Swindon and the main transport within the NCA boundaries. links; the A420 and M40. The most tranquil area can be found to the far east of Sources: Natural England (2010) the NCA in the Vale of Aylesbury. The table below shows the breakdown of land which is publically accessible in perpetuity: A breakdown of tranquillity values for this NCA are detailed in the table below: Access designation Area (ha) % of NCA Tranquillity Tranquillity Score National Trust (Accessible all year) 2 <1 Highest Value within NCA 38 Common Land 28 <1 Lowest Value within NCA -99 Country Parks 113 <1 Mean Value within NCA -7 CROW Access Land (Section 4 and 16) 318 1 Sources: CPRE (2006)

24 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

More information is available at the following address: 12 Data sources http://www.cpre.org.uk/what-we-do/countryside/tranquil-places/in-depth/ item/1688-how-we-mapped-tranquillity ■■ British Geological Survey (2006) ■■ Natural Area Profiles, Natural England (published by English Nature 1993-1998 ) 11.2 Intrusion ■■ Countryside Character Descriptions, Natural England (regional volumes The 2007 Intrusion Map (CPRE) shows the extent to which rural landscapes published by Countryside Commission/Countryside Agency 1998/1999) are ‘intruded on’ from urban development, noise (primarily traffic noise), and ■■ Joint Character Area GIS boundaries, Natural England (data created 2001) other sources of visual and auditory intrusion. This shows that most of the NCA ■■ National Parks and AONBs GIS boundaries, Natural England (2006) suffers considerable intrusion. A breakdown of intrusion values for this NCA is ■■ Heritage Coast Boundaries, Natural England (2006) detailed in the table below. ■■ Agricultural Census June Survey, Defra (2000,2009) ■■ National Inventory of Woodland & Trees, Forestry Commission (2003) Percentage ■■ Countryside Quality Counts Draft Historic Profiles, English Heritage (2004)* change ■■ Ancient Woodland Inventory, Natural England (2003) Intrusion category 1960s (%) 1990s (%) 2007 (%) (1960s-2007) ■■ BAP Priority Habitats GIS data, Natural England (March 2011) Disturbed 29 55 58 +29 ■■ Special Areas of Conservation data, Natural England (data accessed in March 2011) ■■ Special Protection Areas data, Natural England (data accessed in March 2011) Undisturbed 64 37 30 -34 ■■ Ramsar sites data, Natural England (data accessed in March 2011) Urban 7 8 12 +5 ■■ Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Natural England (data accessed in March 2011) Sources: CPRE (2007) ■■ Detailed River Network, Environment Agency (2008) Notable trends from the 1960s to 2007 are the considerable increase in areas subject to ■■ Source protection zones, Environment Agency (2005) disturbance. ■■ Registered Common Land GIS data, Natural England (2004) ■■ Open Country GIS data, Natural England (2004) More information is available at the following address: ■■ Public Rights of Way Density, Defra (2011) http://www.cpre.org.uk/resources/countryside/tranquil-places ■■ National Trails, Natural England (2006) ■■ National Tranquillity Mapping data, CPRE (2007) ■■ Intrusion map data, CPRE (2007)

25 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

■■ Registered Battlefields, English Heritage (2005) ■■ Record of Scheduled Monuments, English Heritage (2006) ■■ Registered Parks and Gardens, English Heritage (2006) ■■ World Heritage Sites, English Heritage (2006) ■■ Incorporates Historic Landscape Characterisation and work for preliminary Historic Farmstead Character Statements (English Heritage/Countryside Agency 2006)Detailed River Network, Environment Agency (2008)

Please note all figures contained within the report have been rounded to the nearest unit. For this reason proportion figures will not (in all) cases add up to 100%. The convention <1 has been used to denote values less than a whole unit.

Wytham Woods near Oxford, used for environmental research and adjacent land under environmental stewardship.

V1.0 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Supporting document 2: Landscape change

Recent changes and trends

Trees and woodlands ■■ Trees and woodland are an important element of the Midvale Ridge landscape. It is significantly more heavily wooded than the surrounding Upper Thames Clay Vales NCA and a high proportion is designated ancient woodland.

■■ Between 1999 and 2003, 141 ha of new woodland were planted. During the same period, the proportion of established eligible National Inventory of Woodland and Trees woodland stock covered by the Woodland Grant Scheme increased from 18 per cent to 27 per cent.

■■ Over the past 20 years, large blocks of woodland have been established as part of the Great Western Community Forest project which has a target to increase woodland coverage from its current 3 per cent to 30 per cent. About a third of the woodland cover is designated ancient woodland. The proportion of these sites covered by a Woodland Grant Scheme has increased since 1999 from 30 per cent to 43 per cent. Grass of Parnassus at Frilford Heath. Boundary features ■■ The expansion of arable farming in the area has led in places to a reduction ■■ The position improved with 416 km of hedgerow in environmental or complete loss of hedgerows. The estimated boundary length for the stewardship boundary management in 2011. During the same period 18 km NCA in 2003 was about 3,079 km of which about 4 per cent was under of woodland and 11 km of ditch were also in environmental stewardship Countryside Stewardship Agreements. boundary management schemes.

27 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Agriculture ■■ The farmed landscape in the Midvale Ridge is a mixed one of pastoral and arable. According to Defra agricultural census data, between 2000 and 2009 the total farmed area declined by around 11 per cent. During the same period the area of grass and uncropped land saw a reduction of 2,541 ha and the area farmed for cereals a decrease of 1,882 ha but the area farmed for oilseeds saw an increase of about 739 ha.

Settlement and development ■■ There is considerable pressure for development around Swindon, which has led to extension of the city into the surrounding area. Elsewhere growth has not been so significant. Much of the area between Oxford and Abingdon is designated as greenbelt; 29 per cent of the NCA as a whole is designated greenbelt.

Semi-natural habitat ■■ Only around 2 per cent of the NCA is designated for its nature conservation interest, but this includes some very rare semi-natural habitat such as calcareous fens and calcareous heathland. 21 per cent of the NCA’s SSSI are in favourable condition with 71 per cent in unfavourable recovering condition (Feb 2010).

■■ Up to 2003, Countryside Stewardship uptake for the area was consistently above the national average. The largest annual Countryside Stewardship agreements in 2003 were for lowland pastures on neutral/acid soils (803 ha) and regeneration of grassland/semi-natural vegetation (334 ha). Key species in the NCA include snakeshead fritillaries and the black hairstreak butterfly.

Walkers on the Thames Path National Trail at Sandford-on-Thames.

28 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Historic features Minerals ■■ The area is important for ridge and furrow earthworks and the remains of ■■ There are deposits of soft sand within the NCA, some of which are currently deserted settlements. In 2003 Countryside Stewardship agreements for being extracted for use in the construction industry for instance for mortar, managing the historic landscape covered about 50 ha of the NCA. About 50 the majority locally or within surrounding NCAs. In addition, there is crushed per cent of the remaining parkland is covered by a Historic Parkland Grant, rock to the south-east of Faringdon also used for the construction industry. and about 38 per cent is included within an agri-environmental scheme. Only around 57 per cent of historic farm buildings remain unconverted but nearly Drivers of change all, 94 per cent, are structurally intact. Climate change Rivers ■■ Climate change is expected to bring drier summers and wetter winters. The ■■ The rivers and groundwater within the NCA are not deemed to be over- fenlands and other wetlands of the region would be extremely susceptible abstracted, although the Thames catchment area as a whole is in deficit due to drought or diminution of water quality from pollution run-off due to to the shortage of supply for London in dry years. intense rainfall.

■■ Water quality in the Thames catchment has generally improved but the ■■ The agricultural landscape may change as farmers adapt to changes in Water Framework Directive provides more exacting ecological and physico- weather or water availability by producing new crops. A longer growing chemical targets. Groundwater quality in the north-eastern half of the NCA season may lead to winter cropping and a loss in winter stubble with a meets the target for ‘good’ chemical status under the Water Framework consequent loss of food sources for farmland birds. Directive, but fails to meet this standard in the south-west. ■■ The semi-natural grassland and heathland of the NCA might be susceptible ■■ The ecological status of the rivers in the NCA including the Thame and the to increasing periods of drought with possible change in species Thames varies between poor and moderate as assessed under the Water composition as a consequence. In addition warmer winters might make acid Framework Directive. The chemical quality of the Thames has improved grassland and heathland prone to invasion by bracken. and is now judged to be good.13 The Thame is not assessed for its chemical quality within the NCA. The entire NCA is within a nitrate vulnerable zone ■■ The area’s woodlands particularly those on drier soils may be at increasing designated to protect surface water for public use.14 risk of fire. Species change may occur as trees that are more tolerant of drought conditions outcompete those that are not.

13 Water for Life and Livelihoods: River Basin Management Plan, Thames River Basin District, Environment Agency (December 2009) 14 Groundwater Quality Review: The Corallian, Environment Agency (April 2004)

29 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

■■ In addition climate change may make trees more vulnerable to disease. Warmer winters may allow pathogens and their vectors to increase their range.

■■ Swindon and Oxford both contain significant numbers of properties at risk of flooding and have experienced a number of flood events in the last decade or so as a result of more frequent heavy rainfall events.

Other key drivers ■■ Development pressure around Swindon and Oxford is likely to continue to be high. The need for further expansion into the peri-urban area around Swindon has been accepted in Swindon’s Local Plan. This will present a challenge to ensure that the current character of the area is not lost but also an opportunity to plan for augmented and improved green infrastructure and access opportunities.

■■ The NCA has several rare and uncommon habitats. Their highly fragmented state makes them more vulnerable to damage.

■■ Future mineral extraction may put pressure on the area’s semi-natural habitats for instance affecting the hydrology of wetland sites. Traditional stone built cottages at Marsh Baldon, Oxfordshire.

■■ Greater demands on agriculture to produce higher yields could put pressure on the remaining areas of semi-natural grassland and other semi-natural habitats. It may also lead to deterioration in water quality, through the runoff of soil nutrients and increased use of herbicides and pesticides.

30 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Supporting document 3: Analysis supporting Statements of Environmental Opportunity

The following analysis section focuses on a selection of the key provisioning, regulating and cultural ecosystem goods and services for this NCA. These are underpinned by supporting services such as photosynthesis, nutrient cycling, soil formation and evapo-transpiration. Supporting services perform an essential role in ensuring the availability of all ecosystem services.

Biodiversity and geodiversity are crucial in supporting the full range of ecosystem services provided by this landscape. Wildlife and geologically- rich landscapes are also of cultural value and are included in this section of the analysis. This analysis shows the projected impact of Statements of Environmental Opportunity on the value of nominated ecosystem services within this landscape.

Radcliffe Camera, Oxford, built in part from stone quarried on the Midvale Ridge.

31 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Ecosystem service

Statement of Environmental Opportunity Food Provision Timber Provision Water Availability Genetic Diversity Biomass Energy Climate Regulation Regulating Water Quality Regulating Water Flow Regulating Soil Qulaity Regultating Soil Erosion Pollination Pest Regulation Regulating Coastal Erosion / Sense Place of Inspiration Sense of history Tranquility Recreation Biodiversity Geodiversity SEO 1: Maintain the historic environment and cultural character of the Midvale Ridge by ensuring that permitted development is well integrated to preserve local distinctiveness and sense of place and providing green space and recreational n/a *** *** *** n/a ** *** opportunities for the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors. *** *** * ***

SEO 2: Manage, enhance and expand the valuable semi-natural habitats of the Midvale Ridge such as fens, grassland and calcareous heathland to benefit n/a n/a biodiversity, prevent soil erosion, improve water regulation and quality, support *** *** *** *** *** pollinators and protect and enhance wildlife corridors. ** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** * ***

SEO 3: Manage and enhance the woodland cover and expand areas of native broadleaved woodland to benefit landscape character and biodiversity, for carbon sequestration, to prevent soil erosion, improve water quality, supply renewable n/a n/a ** *** *** fuel and to provide access and recreation opportunities. *** *** *** *** *** ** ** *** ** ** ***

SEO 4: Maintain and enhance the National Character Area’s internationally important geological heritage for the educational benefits it provides, its

contribution to a sense of place and history and to increase recreational n/a n/a *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

opportunities. *** ** *** ***

Note: Arrows shown in the table above indicate anticipated impact on service delivery =Increase ↗ =Slight Increase ↔ =No change ↙ =Slight Decrease ↓ =Decrease. Asterisks denote confidence in projection (*low **medium***high) ○ °=symbol denotes where insufficient information on the likely impact is available . Dark plum =National Importance; Mid plum =Regional Importance; Light plum =Local Importance

32 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Landscape attributes

Landscape attribute Justification for selection

Long thin ridge with great variation in geology ■■ Sweeping views across the surrounding flatter countryside. and biodiversity and extensive views across the neighbouring clay vales.

Rich geodiversity, the result of deposition of ■■ Nationally and internationally important sites for fossils, such as at Wicklesham and Coxwell Pits with limestone and sandstones particularly during the some assemblages, such as the sponges at Great Coxwell known only from this area. Upper Jurassic. ■■ Provides stratigraphic evidence for the geological history of the region. ■■ Local quarries provided some of the building stone for Oxford’s historic city centre.

Ancient semi-natural woodland with patches of ■■ 3 per cent of the area and 33 per cent of the total woodland resource is designated ancient woodland. wet woodland. ■■ Woodland stock includes patches of wet woodland, a valuable wildlife habitat. ■■ The former royal hunting forest of Bernwood is mentioned in Domesday Book.

Fragmented but important and unusual semi- ■■ Possibly the most important region in southern England for calcareous fens with an associated natural habitats including acid grassland, assemblage of rare plants and insects. calcareous grassland, calcareous heath and calcareous fens.

Distinctive settlement pattern of hill top and ■■ Buildings are often made from locally quarried stone and are typically grouped around a village green. springline villages.

Historical landscape. ■■ Ridge and furrow particularly in the eastern half of the region. ■■ Romano-British settlement remains. ■■ Historic parklands. ■■ Past industrial use of the landscape such as quarrying or brick kilns at Brill.

33 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Landscape opportunities

■■ Maintain, restore and consolidate areas of semi-natural grasslands that have an Conserve and promote the area’s geological heritage including designated sites and abandoned quarry sites where appropriate.

■■ Protect the historic environment of the area including the nationally important remnants of ridge and furrow, Romano-British remains, remnants of the local industry such as brick making at Brill, the historic parklands, historic buildings such as the windmills.

■■ Protect and appropriately manage calcareous grassland, calcareous heathland, ancient woodland sites (in particular wet woodland and moist ash woodland) and calcareous flushes and plan to link fragmented habitat wherever possible through new habitat creation.

■■ Manage large-scale development impacts (where possible obtaining improvements to biodiversity, access and greenspace) so that the structure of the area is maintained and the impacts of development on tranquillity and the landscape quality of the area are maintained.

■■ Conserve the character of the villages by using local materials in building or repairs and maintain the network of sunken lanes.

34 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Ecosystem service analysis Please note that the following analysis is based upon available data and current understanding of ecosystem services. It does not represent a The following section shows the analysis used to determine key Ecosystem comprehensive local assessment. Quality and quantity of data for each Service opportunities within the area. These opportunities have been service is variable locally and many of the services listed are not yet fully combined with the analysis of landscape opportunities to create Statements of researched or understood. Therefore analysis and opportunities may change Environmental Opportunity. upon publication of further evidence and better understanding of the inter- relationship between services at a local level.

Assets/ attributes: Principal main services contributors Main offered by Service to service State beneficiary Analysis Opportunities opportunities Food Predominantly Midvale Ridge supports a mixed pastoral/ Local The mixed pastoral and arable Work with the local farming Food provision provision grade 3 soils arable (mostly cereals and oil seed rape) landscape is important for food community through agri- farmed landscape. East of Oxford, the soil production and the farmed landscape environment schemes to Biodiversity Mixed pastoral types tend to be heavier and clayey while is likely to continue to be influenced promote best practice land and arable to the west soils are a mix of sandier and by changes in the market. Expected management principles such as Regulating soil farming shallow brashy calcareous clays. population change is likely to drive establishing wide buffer strips, quality the pressure for increased yields and in-field grassy areas and tall According to the Defra, 45 per cent of the this will place further demands on hedgerows to address issues of Regulating soil farmed area is uncropped grassland while ecosystem services such as regulation soil erosion, soil quality, water erosion 32 per cent is cereals and 11 per cent is of soil erosion, soil quality and water quality and water availability. oilseed rape. The predominant livestock quality. Regulating is sheep. Encourage sustainable farming water quality The lighter sandy soils provide ideal methods to support and Water conditions for uncommon arable enhance biodiversity such as the availability weed assemblages but changes in reduction in herbicide/ pesticide agricultural practice are putting use, uncultivated strips around Pollination pressure on these and other wildlife arable field margins and the such as farmland birds. retention of winter stubble.

(Footnotes)

5 Natural England website, Opportunities and optimum sitings for energy crops, http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/farming/funding/ecs/sitings/areas/041.aspx

6 Environment Agency, Humber River Basin Management Plan, December 2009.

7 Environment Agency, River Basin Management Plan, Humber River Basin District, Annex A: Current state of waters, December 2009.

8 Natural England, Capital Grant Scheme - Funding Priority Statement 2010/11, Catchment 6: East Riding of Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, date unknown.

9 Environment Agency, The Humber Flood Risk Management Strategy, March 2008

10 Environment Agency, The Humber Flood Risk Management Strategy, March 2008

11 Humber Estuary Coastal Authorities Group, Flamborough Head to Gibraltar Point Shoreline Management Plan Non-Technical Summary, Con- sultation Draft, 2009

12 Environment Agency, Hull and Coastal Streams Catchment Flood Management Plan, draft main stage summary document, June 2008

13 Environment Agency, Grimsby and Ancholme Catchment Flood Management Plan: Summary report, December 2009

14 CPRE intrusion map, 2007 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ attributes: Principal main services contributors Main offered by Service to service State beneficiary Analysis Opportunities opportunities Timber Areas of Woodland cover is approximately 9 per Local There is scope to increase timber Stimulate the local market for Timber provision existing cent of the NCA. production within the NCA. The wood products and biomass provision woodland areas of drier sandy soils are good from native trees to support Some commercial timber production is for conifer plantations. However any sustainable timber production. Biodiversity Soils undertaken by the Forestry Commission expansion would need to be carefully in Shabbington Woods. considered against the potential Explore opportunities to bring Biomass impacts on food production, unmanaged woodland into energy landscape and biodiversity. management promoting benefits for biodiversity and contribute Sense of place to climate regulation. Recreation

Climate regulation

Regulating water flow

Regulating soil quality

Regulating soil erosion

36 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ attributes: Principal main services contributors Main offered by Service to service State beneficiary Analysis Opportunities opportunities Water Aquifers Due to the porous nature of the limestone Local Groundwater availability is good Promote sustainable use of Water availability bedrock, much of the ridge acts as a across the region. The Thame has water water resources amongst the availability Reservoirs minor aquifer. Groundwater is important available and locally the Thames is local farming community, for supplying the fens and flushes. not over-abstracted but the Thames businesses such as golf courses Food provision Rivers Thames catchment area as a whole is considered and the wider public. and Thame The main rivers of the NCA are the to be over-abstracted because of the Biodiversity Thames and the Thame but most of the shortage of supply for London during Encourage water efficiency for potable water comes from neighbouring dry years. new developments throughout areas such as Farmoor Reservoir in the the NCA but particularly within Upper Thames Clay Vales.15 There is little capacity to extend water Oxford and Swindon. availability within the NCA itself other than by using the current resource more Advise the Environment Agency carefully. and the water industry to ensure that abstraction in particular of The growth of Swindon and Oxford groundwater does not damage will place additional pressure on the or cause loss of designated local water resources both within wetland habitats such as the and outside the NCA. Water demands fens at Cothill, Dry Sandford for Swindon and Oxford are likely to Pit and Frilford. Ensure that the increase and appropriate measures will renewal of licenses or proposed need to address this. new boreholes will have minimal impact on semi-natural habitats. A change in rainfall patterns, due to climate change, is likely to impact on Encourage the extension and water resources. improved connectivity of semi- natural habitats to increase their Some of the most important areas resilience to water shortages. of conservation interest such as the calcareous fens and wet woodland within the NCA are hydrologically sensitive. Continued over...

15 Water for Life and Livelihoods: River Basin Management Plan, Thames River Basin District, Environment Agency (December 2009)

37 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ attributes: Principal main services contributors Main offered by Service to service State beneficiary Analysis Opportunities opportunities Water ...continued from previous. As the availability fen dries out, more vigorous species continued such as nettles and willowherb invade, crowding out the fen vegetation, and allowing it eventually to revert to woodland. Protecting the water supply to fens such as that at Cothill is therefore extremely important.

Encouraging the linking and enlargement of semi-natural habitats including wetlands will help to be more resilient to periods of reduced rainfall.

Genetic Not applicable diversity to this NCA

38 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ attributes: Principal main services contributors Main offered by Service to service State beneficiary Analysis Opportunities opportunities Biomass Existing There is limited biomass provision in the Local There is scope to increase biomass Encourage the increase in Biomass energy woodland NCA at present. The greatest potential production by bringing existing provision of biomass crops energy plantations lies with bringing existing woodlands woodlands into appropriate especially where it would back into management for example re- management and as a by-product of improve the management of Climate establishing a coppicing regime. timber production. woodland. regulation

Miscanthus/ short rotation coppice Explore and promote Regulating soil (SRC) plantations have the potential opportunities for biomass erosion to aid climate regulation and help energy provision with local regulate soil erosion but they markets. Regulating soil would need to be carefully sited to quality avoid landscape and biodiversity Ensure that where any biomass impacts. In addition a high number crops are established they Regulating soil of miscanthus/ SRC plantations could will not adversely impact on erosion impact on food provision. landscape or biodiversity assets. Biodiversity The potential miscanthus yield has been identified as high in the south Regulating west of the NCA south of Oxford water flow and medium in the north east. The potential yield of SRC meanwhile, is high in the north east, but medium in the south west of the NCA.

39 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ attributes: Principal main services contributors Main offered by Service to service State beneficiary Analysis Opportunities opportunities Climate Woodland The limestone bedrock acts as a store Local The ability to increase the carbon Encourage the use of sustainable Climate regulation of carbon which was locked into the storage capacity of the NCA is limited farming methods that help regulation Semi-natural carbonate (limestone) rocks of the NCA due to the importance of arable support the capacity of soils grassland on their formation. farming. However the restoration of to retain their stored carbon, Biodiversity certain semi-natural habitats such for example, a reduction in the Soils However the ability of Midvale Range to as grassland and wetlands would frequency of ploughing and the Regulating soil make a significant contribution to climate improve their ability to sequester and addition of organic matter where erosion regulation now is reduced because of store carbon. appropriate. the continuous cultivation of parts of the Biomass NCA. Encourage the extension of energy woodland cover and promote Semi-natural habitats, in particular the management of existing woodland and grassland, act as a carbon woodland for biomass. store although only to a limited extent because of their small and fragmented Extend where possible and coverage. improve the condition of semi- natural habitats to increase their capacity to sequester carbon.

Ensure that waste material from mineral extraction or quarrying is kept to a minimum.

40 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ attributes: Principal main services contributors Main offered by Service to service State beneficiary Analysis Opportunities opportunities Regulating Woodland Groundwater quality in the north-eastern Local It is thought that groundwater quality in Work with farmers and land Regulating water half of the NCA meets the target for the NCA is in large part affected by the managers in partnership with water quality quality Limestone ’good’ chemical status under the Water leaching of agricultural products into the water companies to reduce bedrock Framework Directive, but in the south- aquifer. surface and groundwater pollution Biodiversity western half it fails to meet this standard. at a catchment scale by the more Soils Some semi-natural habitats such as strategic use of fertilisers. Regulating soil The ecological status of the rivers in the woodland and grassland have the quality Semi-natural NCA (which include part of the Thame, potential to filter out pollutants and Where possible expand grassland grassland Thames and some tributaries) varies sediment. This ability could be greatly and woodland habitat that has the between poor and moderate as assessed strengthened by linking or expanding potential to filter sediments and Hedgerows under the Water Framework Directive. existing fragments. pollution and provide benefits for The water quality in the Thames biodiversity. Aquifer catchment has generally improved but Many wetland habitats are sensitive the Water Framework Directive provides to poor water quality; fens require Improve the soil structure more exacting ecological and physico- calcareous, clean water. The addition of through increasing organic chemical targets. High phosphate levels nitrates and phosphates allows other matter, reducing compaction are the primary reason for not achieving more vigorous species to outcompete and promoting sustainable ‘good’ ecological status in this area. the fen vegetation. For instance reeds, management to minimise the loss Phosphate is likely to be derived from a which often have a small presence in of sediments. range of sources, including discharges fens, increase in abundance to shade out from sewage treatment works and other fen vegetation with the addition of Encourage the use of wider runoff from agricultural land. The entire nutrients. buffer strips and planting of tall NCA is within a nitrate vulnerable zone hedgerows where these will afford designated to protect groundwater and protection to sensitive wetland surface water for public water supply. habitats, to collect sediments and runoff and provide benefits for There is a catchment sensitive farming biodiversity. scheme in place at the very eastern edge of the NCA but this has been designated Encourage the reversion from to protect the water quality of the River arable to species-rich acid Ouse (outside the NCA). grassland where appropriate close to fens and other sensitive semi- natural habitats.

41 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ attributes: Principal main services contributors Main offered by Service to service State beneficiary Analysis Opportunities opportunities Regulating Woodland At Oxford (outside the NCA), the Thames Local Solutions to the flooding problems Seek out opportunities for the Regulating water flow is joined by the Cherwell and the gap experienced by Oxford will lie in extension and linking of the water flow Hedgerows through which the enlarged river then sensitively improving water flow through area’s semi-natural habitats has to flow is very narrow.16 There has the city to counteract the impact of to assist in absorbing water Biodiversity Soils also been considerable development barriers to flow and in upstream storage. flow and provide benefits for across the city’s floodplain. This Incorporating features into the design biodiversity. Regulating soil Limestone puts Oxford at risk of flooding when of the built environment for instance erosion bedrock water levels are raised. Swindon also using porous surfaces for paving could Encourage the restoration of experiences regular flooding events as a also help mitigate the problem for both hedgerows and establishment result of development. Oxford and Swindon. of wide buffer strips to protect vulnerable areas of semi-natural The expected changes in rainfall pattern Semi-natural habitats within the NCA habitat. due to climate change with more rainfall can also suffer the effects of flooding in winter and more intense rainfall in for example the erosion of stream beds Promote green infrastructure summer could exacerbate the problem. from flash-flooding from surface water within urban areas to help drainage has been a serious problem mitigate the impact of flooding. for Lye Valley SSSI, where the stream has eroded more than 1.5 m below its Encourage the use of sustainable natural level, thereby lowering the water urban drainage schemes (SUDS) table in the associated fen. such as permeable surfacing within urban areas to reduce run-off and increase water flow.

Promote the capture of rainwater from urban and agriculture roofs both in new and existing buildings, for use as grey water in for example, toilets and irrigation.

16 Consultation for the Oxford Flood Risk Management Strategy, Environment Agency (Spring 2009)

42 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ attributes: Principal main services contributors Main offered by Service to service State beneficiary Analysis Opportunities opportunities Regulating Vegetation Nearly half (45 per cent) of the ridge is Local Improving soil structure with organic Promote management Regulating soil soil quality covered by heavier loamy and clayey matter will help to minimise soil techniques that will prevent quality Semi-natural soils which are liable to compaction compaction. compaction and improve habitats when wet. This may reduce rates of water water infiltration such as the Regulating infiltration and be a source of diffuse Sustainable land management practices careful use of machinery and water quality Unimproved pollution due to high rates of surface will help to reduce the risk of adverse the avoidance of or careful pasture run-off. impacts on wetland habitats. management of grazing. Regulating water flow Loamy, clayey The extreme edge of the eastern end Add organic matter where this is soils of the NCA, around Oving and North low to improve the soil structure Food Marston, is in the Upper Ouse catchment for instance through the use of production sensitive farming scheme area whose grass leys. aim is to improve the water quality of the River Ouse (outside the NCA). Promote the minimal use of tillage operations where possible.

Encourage the use of crops which break up the soil such as rape or beans.

43 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ attributes: Principal main services contributors Main offered by Service to service State beneficiary Analysis Opportunities opportunities Regulating Woodland Nearly 40 per cent of the NCA is covered Local Preventing soil erosion would greatly Promote the use of agricultural Regulating soil soil erosion by shallow, lighter and freely draining benefit food production but would practices that help prevent erosion Hedgerows lime-rich and slightly acid soils which also help semi-natural wetland habitats erosion such as improving the are at risk of wind as well as water-borne such as the fens in the areas which are soil structure with organic matter, Regulating soil Grassland erosion. The problem is greatest on bare sensitive to sediment run-off. better management, of maize provision soil where organic matter levels are low crops including earlier harvesting, Soils after continuous arable cultivation. undersowing with grass/legumes, Regulating and establishing cover crops over water quality winter. Food provision Encourage the use of wide buffer strips, beetle banks and in-field Biodiversity grass areas across the farmed landscape especially for buffering Climate wetland habitats such as fens regulation which will also provide benefits for Geodiversity wildlife.

Consider laying tall hedgerows in areas prone to erosion to restrict the transport of sediment by wind and water and reinstate hedgerows where appropriate in keeping with the character of the landscape.

Encourage woodland planting where it will not impact on grassland or semi-natural habitats.

Encourage adoption by farmers of the Environment Agency’s “Think soils” manual.

44 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ attributes: Principal main services contributors Main offered by Service to service State beneficiary Analysis Opportunities opportunities Pollination Heathland The NCA has some fragments of Local Maintaining a healthy population Improve the condition of Pollination heathland as well as calcareous and acid of pollinators is important for food calcareous heathland and acid Calcareous grassland which provide a nectar source provision as well as biodiversity. Oil seed grassland habitats especially Biodiversity heathland for pollinators as do local gardens. In rape, an important crop of the area, is those at Frilford and Shotover particular the heathland around Frilford insect pollinated. and where possible seek to Food Grassland and Shotover supports a number of expand them. production solitary bee species. Encouraging the provision of flower-rich Gardens grasslands/ pasture, field margins and Encourage the minimum use headlands through agri-environment of herbicides and pesticides to Field margins schemes will be of great benefit to minimise impacts on pollinators. many pollinating insects including bumblebees. Work with the farming community to encourage Around Oxford, the sandy soils in pollinators for instance by the the remaining areas of acid grassland planting of hedgerows, use of and calcareous heath at Frilford and field margins and in-field grassy Shotover provide an important habitat areas particularly where oilseed for solitary bees. Enlarging, linking and rape and other insect pollinated improving the habitat will help them plants are significant. maintain and increase their range.

Elsewhere measures within the farmed environment such as the planting of hedgerows and wide field margins will most help pollinators.

45 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ attributes: Principal main services contributors Main offered by Service to service State beneficiary Analysis Opportunities opportunities Pest Existing The woodlands at Bagley and Local The existing areas of semi natural Improve the condition of semi- Pest regulation regulation Semi-natural Shabbington as well as the field margins habitats within the NCA are very natural habitats and where habitat of the NCA provide good habitat for fragmented. Extending and linking them. possible seek to expand them Biodiversity species that aid pest regulation. to provide a range of niches to Agricultural support pest regulating species. Food field margins production Woodland Encourage the use of field margins, beetle banks and headlands in arable land, to encourage pest regulating species.

46 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ attributes: Principal main services contributors Main offered by Service to service State beneficiary Analysis Opportunities opportunities Sense of Geodiversity The NCA is surrounded by the Upper Regional Promoting and maintaining the character Promote the restoration of Sense of place/ place/ Thames Clay Vales NCA but maintains of the ridge will help integrate new historic buildings such as inspiration inspiration Active and its own character. Its elevation over the development into the existing landscape windmills, to maintain tradition disused surrounding countryside allows for wide- and foster community cohesion. character within the area. Sense of quarries ranging views across to the neighbouring history Cotswolds, Chilterns and North Wessex Maintain where possible the Early Downs AONB. current settlement pattern of Recreation settlements nucleated villages along the Windmills perched on top of the ridge hilltop or springline. Vernacular are a notable feature. The vernacular building architecture, particularly in the western Encourage, where possible, the materials and half of the NCA, uses limestone quarried use of local building materials styles locally. There is evidence across the area both in new buildings as well as of past landscape use such as the kilns at in renovation and conversion Biodiversity Brill, old quarries and early settlements projects. such as the Roman villa at Boars Hill. Views Promote the use of the Thames Path National Trail and Windmills encourage walking in the area’s woodland locations. Woodland Maintain the views across Thames Path the surrounding countryside National Trail particularly of the historic centre of Oxford and protected landscapes such as the Chilterns and the Cotswolds by for example seeking the undergrounding of electricity cables to enable removal of the pylons that run from Didcot power station to Oxford.

47 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ attributes: Principal main services contributors Main offered by Service to service State beneficiary Analysis Opportunities opportunities Sense of Romano-British The NCA has 41 scheduled monuments National Some of the area’s most important Protect and promote sensitive Sense of history settlements including nationally important examples historical heritage such as the ridge and management of archaeological history of ridge and furrow and the remains furrow plough marks is highly fragile and features. Ridge and of iron-age and Romano-British needs careful management to ensure Sense of place furrow settlements. it is protected and maintained. Ridge Where appropriate encourage / inspiration and furrow is now so rare across Europe reversion from arable to grass Surviving that it has been argued any remaining pasture to maintain heritage Recreation remnants of examples can be considered to be of assets. local industry international importance.17 such as Brill Encourage the restoration and kilns, quarries, sustainable management of Windmills historic parklands.

Great Western Promote the restoration and Railway good management of historic buildings, including distinctive Forest of windmills. Bernwood Individual sites currently at risk may benefit by being incorporated into new development as areas of greenspace or to add heritage value.

Encourage greater awareness of the area’s heritage by improving access to heritage assets and promoting appreciation of their local distinctiveness. 17 Turning the Plough: Loss of a Landscape Legacy, English Heritage (2005)

48 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ attributes: Principal main services contributors Main offered by Service to service State beneficiary Analysis Opportunities opportunities Tranquillity Woodland The NCA has experienced a significant Local The growth in road traffic and the Work with local planning Tranquillity decline in tranquillity since the 1960s expansion of Swindon, Oxford and authorities to ensure that according to CPRE data. During the Abingdon (outside the NCA) since the development is appropriately Sense of place 1960s, 64 per cent of the landscape was 1960s have contributed to the increase designed to minimise the / inspiration considered to be undisturbed. By 2007 in the visual and auditory intrusion impacts of noise and light that had decreased to 30 per cent. experienced in the region. pollution as well as other Recreation auditory and visual intrusions on The most tranquil areas can be found the area. Biodiversity in east of the NCA and in the region’s woodlands and semi-natural habitats. Encourage the use of shelter belt planting to mitigate the intrusive effects of road noise.

49 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ attributes: Principal main services contributors Main offered by Service to service State beneficiary Analysis Opportunities opportunities Recreation Woodland The NCA has a total of 840 km of rights Regional There are some good recreational Maintain and improve the Recreation of way a density of 1.89 km per km2. opportunities on offer here, with a range opportunities for access Thames Path This includes 10 km of the Thames Path of access routes enabling visitors to throughout the area Sense of place National Trail National Trail. explore the countryside as well as enjoy through a network of green / inspiration green spaces near to where they live, spaces and linear however the availability of these local rights of way network including Tranquillity spaces is very limited in some parts of the Thames Path National the NCA, particularly the southern parts Trail while ensuring that sites of Oxford City, around Blackbird Leys for of biodiversity value are not example. damaged by increased access.

The Thames Path National Trail runs Promote improved access through the NCA near to Oxford, which for nearby urban centres is well connected with other local particularly Oxford, to the sites walking routes. Bridleways, however, are of interest such as accessible infrequent and often poorly connected. woodlands and geological sites Outside the major settlements, cycle where appropriate. routes are limited within the NCA itself, but there are two national cycle routes Promote the use of non- crossing the ridge, linking with local motorised means of transport routes around Oxford City. such as cycling routes to provide benefits such as improvements Historic, open access woodland is to health and tranquillity. available at Bernwood further east along the ridge, and there are several small but interesting nature reserves often with high geological and biological interest in the vicinity of Oxford. There are also two large country parks for people to enjoy, Shotover in Oxford, and Stanton Park in Swindon.

50 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ attributes: Principal main services contributors Main offered by Service to service State beneficiary Analysis Opportunities opportunities Biodiversity Calcareous 2 per cent of the NCA is designated as National As a result of its unusual geology, the Midvale Promote awareness of and Biodiversity grass heath SSSI for its biodiversity interest. There Ridge is host to several rare habitats such as provide advice to landowners on is one European site, Cothill Fen SAC, calcareous fens, wet woodland and calcareous managing habitats of biodiversity Climate Calcareous designated for its alkaline fen vegetation, heath. Many of these are very fragmented. interest. regulation grassland part of which is also a National Nature The fen habitats, mainly situated around Ensure that semi-natural habitats Regulating Reserve. Cothill and Frilford, are considered to be Calcareous fens are managed in a way which water quality unique to the area. They are home to several and flushes There are 74 local sites representing will maintain and enhance their rare species of wetland flies, including a nearly 3 per cent of the NCA. wildlife interest. Regulating soil Wet woodland soldier fly, Stratiomys chamaeleon, only quality found at Cothill Fen. Many species of Other priority habitats include lowland Increase the connectivity of dragonfly, some uncommon or rare, such as Semi-natural woodland (lowland mixed deciduous fragmented semi-natural habitats Sense of place/ the southern damselfly have been recorded ancient woodland, lowland beech and yew and where possible seek to link inspiration at Cothill fen. The fen vegetation at Cothill woodland woodland, wet woodland), fens, and extend them to strengthen shows succession from open water, through reedbeds, coastal and floodplain grazing their resilience. to fen, scrub and carr. Acid grassland marsh, lowland heathland, lowland meadows and lowland calcareous Fens are extremely sensitive to changes Encourage traditional grazing grassland. in water availability and water pollution, management of fens to encourage needing calcareous, clean water. Recent the short open fen habitat. In abandonment of traditional grazing practices the absence of grazing, consider has allowed tall fen vegetation and scrub to mechanical removal of scrub. encroach on the more biodiverse short, open fen habitat. Ensure that water abstraction and poor water quality does The acid grassland and calcareous heath not threaten important wetland found at Frilford, Cothill and Shotover are habitat. a significant habitat for insects particularly solitary bees, wasps and ants. The Midvale Ensure that current and planned Ridge is the only place in Oxfordshire where mineral extraction does not have heathland occurs. Heathland develops where a detrimental impact on semi- soils are nutrient poor and drought prone and natural habitat particularly fens. as a result can be affected by the addition of nutrients or watering. Continued over... Continued over...

51 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ attributes: Principal main services contributors Main offered by Service to service State beneficiary Analysis Opportunities opportunities Biodiversity ...continued from previous. ...continued from previous. continued A high percentage of the woodland cover is Restore coppice management to designated ancient woodland. Shabbington woodland where appropriate. Woods provide a habitat for an important colony of the rare black hairstreak butterfly. Encourage the restoration of The brown hairstreak butterfly, a priority ancient woodland sites where species, is also found across the NCA possible by planting with trees indigenous to the NCA. Wet woodland in the NCA is particularly notable for its mosses. Hedgerows can serve Promote awareness amongst as links between patches of woodland landowners of the location providing a valuable ecological network. of particularly important Over-browsing by deer is having a damaging uncommon arable weed impact on the woodland understory and the communities and their associated biodiversity such as woodland management requirements. birds. Encourage the restoration of In light of the expected wetter winters and hedgerows where these will link more intense rainfall due to climate change, patches of woodland. woodland may have a key role in helping manage the severity of the run-off from Develop a co-ordinated heavy rainfall. approach to deer management An important colony of snakeshead fritillary with the Forestry Commission survives in one of the few flood meadows to and other landowners to be found in the NCA. enhance biodiversity, sense of Key to maintaining the rare invertebrate and place and tranquillity. plant species on all semi-natural habitats within the Midvale Ridge is the linking and better management and where possible expansion of the habitat. (Footnotes)

52 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ attributes: Principal main services contributors Main offered by Service to service State beneficiary Analysis Opportunities opportunities Geodiversity Quarries The geological importance of the National The Midvale Ridge is a highly significant Promote awareness of the area’s Geodiversity Midvale Ridge is underlined by 16 area for geology and has been the geodiversity heritage. Designated sites nationally designated sites and 14 Local subject of study since 19th century. Sense of place/ Geological sites. Develop access links where inspiration It has provided important examples of Limestone appropriate and integrate sites prehistoric marine fauna particularly buildings Most deposits date from the Upper where possible into the local Sense of ammonites but also marine reptiles. At Jurassic but there are also sites green infrastructure network. history Hurst Hill the skeleton of Camptosaurus dating from the Lower Cretaceous at prestwichii was recovered, one of only Wicklesham and Coxwell. Explore the possibility of Recreation two Upper Jurassic ornithopod skeletons promoting sites where suitable known from Europe. This is thought to as visitor destinations for show the existence of a link across the instance by connecting them to proto-Atlantic in the late Jurassic period long distance paths. to what is now North Africa. The Lower Cretaceous sponge beds at Ensure that designated sites are Wicklesham and Coxwell Pits contain maintained in good condition examples of fossil sponges, bryozoa, to protect and maintain their brachiopods and echinoids many of distinctiveness. which are only known from these sites. Encourage quarry operators to The area has also provided information allow access to geologists at key to explaining the geological and working quarries. biological history of the region, showing that during the Jurassic, part of the Seek to maintain access to area was under a shallow tropical sea. quarry sites with important Peat deposits at Cothill Fen SSSI hold a exposures at the end of their record of the vegetation of the last ten working life. thousand millennia. In addition the Midvale Ridge has long Promote the use of local been used to provide building material limestone in local buildings. for local houses as well as many of the grander Oxford buildings including the colleges. Continued over...

53 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Assets/ attributes: Principal main services contributors Main offered by Service to service State beneficiary Analysis Opportunities opportunities Geodiversity ...continued from previous. continued Many of the quarries are no longer in use but the area is still an important provider of aggregates such as soft sand and gravel for the construction industry. Access to some exposures is being lost as quarries at end of their working life are being developed particularly for housing, golf courses and landfill sites.

54 National Character 109: Midvale Ridge Area profile: Supporting documents

Photo credits Front cover: Ridge and furrow at Chilton, Buckinghamshire © David Green Pages 4 & 5: © Buckinghamshire County Council Page 6 & 27: © Judy Webb Page 7, 9 & 15: © Natural England/Sarah Wright Page: 11: © Natural England/Alison Muldal Page 26: © Natural England/Lucy Heath Page: 28 & 31: © Natural England/Anne-Katrin Purkiss Page 30: © Natural England/Martin Jones

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Catalogue Code: NE417

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